Q. I wish to attend camp and bring along my wife/husband/partner/significant other, However she/he doesn't play mandolin.

There's plenty of housing, so we've designed the camp so spouses and families are welcome - even if only one person is attending the camp. Tuition is separate from housing costs, so you'll both need to register: on the Acteva website, just purchase one tuition for each camp participant, and one double-occupancy housing for every family member -- we'll be sure to assign you to one bedroom of a two- or three-bedroom cottage.

Q. I'd rather not use the online registration. Can I send a check instead?

A. Yes, just print up the registration page, fill it out and send it to us along with a check for the total amount. Email us for the mailing address, and we'll tell you where to send it. This will save you the registration fees!

Q. I have been playing mandolin for years, and am actively performing with the instrument. Will there be enough advanced classes for me?

A. Yes. Our faculty are all professional players, teachers and performers, and there will be enough advanced workshop offerings for you to come away with new knowledge and enhancements to your playing. This will also be an opportunity to learn new practical theoretical knowledge, to expand and organize what you already know.

Q. I already have a performing band. What do the ensembles have to offer me?

A. The advanced ensembles will be taught by faculty who are experienced with coaching advanced students. We're accustomed to challenging seasoned and high-level players. It will also be a great chance to try new things!

Q. I am a total beginner, I can only play a couple of chords and/or simple melodies. Can I attend camp?

A. Yes. There's no basic level required to participate in the camp! All are welcome and we have a special beginner track for folks who are new to the mandolin.

Q. I want to attend camp, however I'm not comfortable with the idea of performing in an ensemble. Do I have to perform?

A. We hope that everyone will participate in an ensemble. Whether or not you perform we think you will learn many good skills for playing with other people by rehearsing with the ensemble. If you'd rather not perform, not to worry - just let your ensemble leader know ahead of time. We have a long and successful history of working with beginners, so you'll be playing in an ensemble before you know it!

Q. Instead of shared cottages, I'd rather have my own hotel room. What are the options?

There are several hotels nearby. Prices are in the $80-100 per night range. They tend to book up months in advance though, so do plan ahead! Just purchase tuition without housing.

Q. I'm thinking of coming early to explore Cape Cod. What is there to do?

You'll be staying in East Sandwich (if you choose to be close to the camp). It's on Route 6A, which goes along the north side of the Cape. Route 6A is infinitely entertaining, if you like poking through small galleries, specialty shops, etc. Sandwich is full of historical attractions and museums; you'll find links below. Route 6A will take you most of the way out the Cape if you follow it far enough. Don't hesitate to invent diversions; that's part of the fun!

If you prefer the beach, you'll probably want to go to the south side of the Cape, where the water is much warmer. Craigville Beach near Osterville is the best place without parking restrictions. On the North side, Sandwich has gorgeous beaches and a wonderful boardwalk leading there.

Falmouth is on the south side of the Cape, and Woods Hole is at its tip -- both very scenic towns. Oak Bluffs, on Martha's Vineyard, is accessible by ferry (but leave the car behind!), and makes a good afternoon trip. The best way to get there is the Island Queen from Falmouth Harbor:
http://islandqueen.com/

Hyannis is the largest town (actually a village of Barnstable); it has at least one interesting street downtown (with the JFK museum) but traffic can be bad. Chatham is an utterly charming town on mid-Cape with things to do; Provincetown is way out at the tip of the Cape but worth the drive if you like investigating colorful historic towns. Truro is a lovely artists' enclave on the way there. If you're looking for extended nature walks, don't miss the Cape Cod National Seashore:
http://www.nps.gov/caco/

Here are some good online resources:
http://capecodonline.com/
http://sandwichmass.org/

Q. I don't live close to Cape Cod. How can I extend my stay and make a vacation out of it?

Just let us know! We'll reserve a beachfront cottage on East Sandwich Beach for you. Rates are low since it's off-season. Cottages will be available on Saturday, Sept. 23. Since camp begins the following Friday Sept. 29, you'll have nearly a full week on your own before camp -- and you won't have to move when camp starts!